Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for the Port Isabel South Padre Press. He has spent many years collecting and sharing the history of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as treasure hunting and formerly owning an Island-based bookstore.
Loss of the U. S. Steamer Dragon
The steamboat Dragon, on a trip from the Brazos to the Mouth of the Rio Grande, was lost at or near the mouth of the river, on the 26th instant. The boat is a total wreck. The cargo was luckily all saved—being principally iron and other articles belonging to the government, not capable of much damage from the action of salt water. It is, however, rather surprising that the government runs such unnecessary risks and take such hazard in their transportation, when a less expensive, equally expeditious and entirely safe route is open to them via Point Isabel. We may at least approximate to a just estimate of the risk of the two bars by the insurance rates. The insurance on merchandise from New Orleans to Point Isabel is two per cent. Thus, showing that the crossing of the bars is considered a material part of the risk—say at least two per cent for crossing both bars. On the hulls of vessels the charge is double—in the return of the vessel to the Brazos. Commerce always seeks and points out the safest, best, and most practicable route, and the government can have no more unerring guide.—Economy and prudence ought to make this suggestion to its officers. (The American Flag, Cameron County and Matamoros Advertiser (Brownsville, Tex.), November 29, 1848.)
Huge Mexican Lion Killed In Los Fresnos
A Mexican lion measuring eleven feet from nose to tip of tail was killed last week in the Los Fresnos district. A rancher named Juan Gonzalez had been losing some cattle to the beast. Hunters had tried a number of times to take it down. The first shot did not stop the beast, and it showed fight. Another well-aimed shot finally killed it. The hide is now on exhibition in San Benito. (The Brownsville Herald (Brownsville, Tex.) February 1, 1922)
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